Friday, November 4, 2016

Aspiring social science teachers cry foul

Chandigarh, November 2
Hundreds of eligible candidates, who had opted for philosophy, psychology, education, defence studies, social work, community education and religion for their graduation, are being denied the opportunity to become social science teachers in the state.
Applicants in this category require at least two subjects in social sciences from those advertised by the government. The government, in the advertisement, gave only the options of history, political science, public administration, economics, geography, environmental studies and sociology to qualify for the post of teacher.
The advertisement missed at least seven subjects that have been approved by universities in the state as social science. Importantly, the listed subject of environment studies is not an optional subject in university education.The affected applicants, who are eligible under NCTE (National Council for Teacher Education) rules, had cleared the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) and also a special test conducted by the state government for final selection.
A candidate from Bathinda, requesting anonymity, said, “The government has already issued joining letters to applicants from other streams. Candidates of social sciences are being forced to run to officers and ministers to plead for an unbiased relook into the recruitment. We have been assured of a speedy redressal by the quarters concerned, failing which we will be forced to knock on the doors of the court.”
An official communication of Punjabi University, Patiala, has listed 13 subjects for admission to BEd courses in social sciences stream including history, geography, political science, sociology, economics, public administration, philosophy, sociology, education, defence studies, religion, social work and community education.
Prof Neeraj Sharma, Head of Department of Philosophy, Baring Union Christian College, Batala, said, “Guru Nanak Dev University also recognises all the 13 streams.”
Education Minister Daljit Cheema said, "Yes, there is a technical problem in determining the eligibility of the students with philosophy, psychology, education, defence studies, community work and religion as their second options. We are holding a meeting of all the Vice-Chancellors of the universities in the state shortly to sort out the matter."
Cheema said, “Certain technical issues concerning the recruitment of teacher for social sciences are pending in the Punjab and Haryana High Court as well. The next date of hearing is November 17. The matter will soon be sorted out."